Sports
Ohio Hands Buffalo First MAC Lose In Dominating Fashion
By: Anthony Marino
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ATHENS– This was a statement game for the Ohio University Bobcats (7-4, 5-2) after coming off a disappointing loss to Miami (OH) University (5-2, 5-6) last Wednesday (38-28). Behind the rushing attack of A.J. Ouellette and the offensive line the Bobcats were able to dominate the Buffalo Bulls (6-1, 9-2) handing them the 52-17 loss.
The Bobcats MAC East Title hopes are still alive after beating Buffalo. There are two things that need to happen. Ohio will need to beat Akron and Bowling Green will have to upset Buffalo.
Nathan Rourke had full control of the Ohio offense and they were clicking on all cylinders. The combo of Rourke and A.J. Ouellette in the backfield caused problems for the Buffalo defense and they couldn’t find a way to stop the duo.
Ouellette finished with a career high 196 rushing yards on 26 attempts and two touchdowns. This raised his season total to 777 rushing yards. The whole Bobcats offense compiled a season high 437 rushing yards on the night. The offensive line and the power of Ouellette was tough to stop. It was clear that the Bobcats front five were more physical in the trenches than the Bulls were.
“It’s a couple of those guys last games and they work their buts off. I’ve had them my whole career, it’s the reason why I have such good career yards.” Sr. running back A.J. Ouellette said about the Bobcats offensive line.
Head Coach Frank Solich praised the performance of Ouellette.
“He was making sharp quick cuts, making people miss, and he was powering throw people when he had too. He was getting everything done at a high level that a really top of the line back does. I think right now he is the best back in the league.” Solich said.
Nathan Rourke was 26-17 for 209-yards and three passing touchdowns. He is currently 71-yards shy of 2,000 yards passing this season. Rourke just like Ouellette had plenty of lanes to run through, rushing for 77-yards on 7 attempts.
On the defensive side of the ball the Bobcats were able to contain Buffalo’s duel threat quarterback Tyree Jackson and the rest of the Bulls offense. What hurt the Bulls the most was the two interception that Jackson threw that led to two scores.
“Trusting in each other, communicating, and not busting in our coverages. Playing more as a unit and not as individuals out there and listening to our coaches.” Jr. safety Javon Hagan said about the Bobcat stout defense performance.
Buffalo took their opening drive 75-yards on 7 plays to put them up 7 but Ohio answered with a drive of their own and it was all Bobcats after that. Buffalo did not find the end zone again until 13:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Ohio will host Akron (2-4, 4-5) Friday Nov. 23 in their season finale. As for Buffalo they will travel to Bowling Green (1-5, 2-8).